Career Center
Columbia, South Carolina
Dallas, Texas
Posted: 30-Aug-23
Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Type: Full Time
Salary: $52-58,000
James Madison University, a Division I member of the NCAA and Sun Belt Conference, is accepting applications for an Associate Director of Athletic Communications to coordinate communications, media relations and sports information strategies for select JMU Athletics programs with a focus on digital, social and creative media to increase the public’s awareness of the experience and achievements of student-athletes at JMU. The director guides the overall brand promotion and protection of JMU Athletics within the construct of a cohesive team environment with specific attention to assigned sport programs
Duties and Responsibilities
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Coordinate all communication strategies for specifically tasked sport programs (2-4) to maximize coverage of the student-athlete experience at JMU. Sport responsibilities will include one revenue-generating sport (men's basketball).
- Oversee additional staffing to include game day wage statisticians and students (interns, practicums, wage, volunteer).
- Use social media, creative technology and other digital tools to communicate information about student-athletes and assigned programs, serving as a publicist to tell their stories.
- Work collaboratively within a team environment under the direction of staff leader to build cohesive communication methods and support needs across all departmental sport programs and offices.
- Deploy traditional media relations methods such as statistics, media notes, press releases, record-keeping and more to document sport achievements and history.
- Foster positive relationships with external media partners while identifying opportunities to maximize coverage and proactively position JMU Athletics among local, regional and national media outlets.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Multiple years of experience in an intercollegiate or professional sports team’s communications office.
- Knowledge of various web software programs, game operations and various NCAA Live Stats (Genius) and Stat Crew statistical programs.
- Must possess good writing and editing ability and knowledge of AP writing style.
- Desktop publishing and creative design experience, preferably with Adobe products (InDesign, Photoshop).
- Must be highly motivated, energetic, task-oriented, multitasking and be able to manage a work schedule that includes some weekend work.
Additional Considerations:
- Experience as direct communications representative for a revenue-generating sport (i.e. football or basketball).
- Varied experience with and knowledge of multiple sports.
Conditions of Employment
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
